Hardrock 100 - Course Data and Checkpoints
The Hardrock 100 is a 161km loop through the San Juan Mountains of Colorado with around 10,000m of elevation gain and loss, starting and finishing in Silverton. The cutoff is 48 hours, and the highest point is the summit of Handies Peak at 4,282m - the race spends most of its time above 3,000m.
Course profile
- Distance
- 161 km
- Elevation gain
- 10,000 m
- Elevation loss
- 10,000 m
- Highest point
- Handies Peak (4,282 m)
- Cutoff
- 48h
- Typical winning time
- ~22h30
Hardrock alternates direction each year (clockwise and counterclockwise) and finishes when runners kiss the Hardrock - a painted boulder in Silverton. Altitude is the defining factor: the course average is around 3,400m, and weather can swing from heat to lightning, hail, and snow in a single afternoon. Ouray, Grouse Gulch, and Sherman are the main crew points.
Aid stations and checkpoints
| Checkpoint | Km | Cumulative gain (m) | Cumulative loss (m) | Crew | Drop bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start - Silverton | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - |
| Cunningham Gulch | 14 | 1,200 | 500 | No | No |
| Ouray | 42 | 3,700 | 3,300 | Yes | Yes |
| Engineer | 60 | 5,700 | 4,200 | No | No |
| Grouse Gulch | 74 | 6,600 | 5,700 | Yes | Yes |
| Animas Forks | 90 | 8,100 | 6,400 | No | No |
| Sherman | 109 | 9,300 | 8,200 | Yes | Yes |
| Silverton (Finish) | 161 | 10,000 | 10,000 | Yes | No |
Data is approximate and courses change between editions - always verify against the official race guide. Source: official race guide, verified June 12, 2026 - Official race website
FAQ
How long is Hardrock and how much climbing does it have?
The Hardrock 100 covers approximately 161km in a loop from Silverton, Colorado, with around 10,000m of cumulative elevation gain and the same amount of loss.
What is the Hardrock cutoff time?
The Hardrock cutoff is 48 hours. Winning times are typically around 22-23 hours, reflecting the extreme altitude and terrain.
What is the highest point of Hardrock?
The highest point is the summit of Handies Peak at 4,282m (14,048ft), a full fourteener crossed mid-race. The course average elevation is around 3,400m.
Where can my crew meet me at Hardrock?
Major crew-accessible aid stations are Ouray (42km), Grouse Gulch (74km), and Sherman (109km), which also take drop bags. Access roads are mountain roads - allow generous travel time between stations.
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